Occurring or existing outside of molecules; relating to interactions or forces between separate molecules rather than within them.
From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'molecular' (from Latin 'moles' mass). This chemistry term became standard in the 20th century as scientists studied molecular bonding and interaction.
Extramolecular forces are why water beads up on a waxed car—the water molecules are more attracted to each other than to the wax. These 'outside' forces explain everything from how life forms around hydrophobic membranes to why oil floats on water.
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